Layar’s Reality Browser for the iPhone is finally available!
October 16, 2009
Layar’s Reality Browser has finally arrived stateside and is now available for iPhone users. If you have been following the developments in mobile technology and augmented reality, then you will agree that Layar takes mobile browsing to the next level.
Why all the hype around Augmented Reality?
Augmented Reality (AR) is generating buzz as the “next killer mobile app” and for good reason. The trend in augmented reality is gaining greater momentum, which is evident by the many new vendors entering this space. Take a look at Wikitude, IBM’s Seer app, TwittARound, Wildlife Fate Campagin, or the cool AR + 3-D campaigns by Hyperfactory, etc. and you will quickly understand why there’s so much hype around this new technology. Whether you are shopping, searching for the nearest restaurant, gas station, or job-hunting on-the-go, AR has the potential to offer a little something for everyone.
Want to see more of what the future holds? Check out the latest video by Layar…
Semantic Search: Future or Hype?
September 18, 2009
We all know the “Big 3″ search engines (Google, Yahoo, Bing) are pretty effective at retrieving search results based on keywords. However, if you have narrow search requirements and need specific answers, then it’s important to have a good command of how to construct your queries using the proper search syntax and format. For the average (non-technical) person, learning search syntax is often confusing and not always practical. It’s problematic.
So what is Semantic Search and why the hype?
There’s a lot of buzz around this thing called Semantic Search, and for good reason. The real goal behind semantic search technology is to essentially enable the retrieval of accurate information via concept or meaning match. Semantic search doesn’t replace the traditional web but has the power to enhance it. I don’t deny that today’s major search engines do a good job at answering most search inquiries. However, the great hope with semantic search is that it may one day be able to go beyond the keywords that we type, and find exactly what we mean. This is good news if you are a recruiter and in the business of search. If your job is tied to sourcing on the web, hop over to Boolean Black Belt with Glen Cathy and check out his fantastic post on Semantic Search for Sourcers and Recruiters. One look at his site and you will quickly see why I believe Glen Cathey is a search rock-star.
Oh, and of course, definitely make sure to grab a copy of the amazing whitepaper authored by Shally Steckerl and Bryan Starbuck (CEO of TalentSpring). You can download a copy of their whitepaper on semantic search by clicking here. If you’re on Twitter, and like their whitepaper, make sure to follow @Shally and @BryanStarbuck and let them know your thoughts!
Here’s a great video explaining Semantic Search (in plain English). Enjoy!
Still trying to understand Cloud Computing?
July 16, 2009
There is a lot of information on what cloud computing really means. In fact, run a simple “cloud computing” search on Google and you will easily discover more results than you can possibly read. So, what’s the point? It’s still a very hot topic so why not try and understand what it means and how it impacts us?
Salesforce.com produced a great video that explains cloud computing in laymen terms. Although the video has a bit of a “sales” spin, I think you will get the point of the video… enjoy!
Follow this link to watch the video -> What is Cloud Computing by Salesforce.com…
Augmented ID, a new mobile app and the ultimate ice-breaker?
July 11, 2009
Augmented Reality (AR) is generating buzz as the “next killer mobile app” and for good reason. Take a look at Layar, Wikitude, IBM’s Seer app, TwittARound, Wildlife Fate Campagin, and the cool AR + 3-D campaigns by Hyperfactory, etc. and you will quickly understand why there’s so much hype around this new technology.
TAT creates Augmented ID
TAT, a Swedish software and design company, recently developed a new concept called Augmented ID. Augmented ID uses facial recognition technology and offers a convenient method for viewing the digital identities of the people around you. This could prove to be an interesting way to “break the ice” and get to know people. Imagine having instant access to information about a conference speaker, trainer, new client, co-worker, or a person you just met at a Starbucks. Regardless of how it is used, the possibilities are quite exciting. However, at the moment, Augmented ID is not yet ready for prime-time. For now, see below for a brief video intro…
Want more AR videos from TAT? Check out their showroom for a peek at other cool apps.
Augmented Reality (AR) coming to an iPhone near you?
July 7, 2009
Acrossair, the makers of the TVGuide.co.uk iPhone app recently built Nearest Tube, one of the first augmented reality apps to go live in the iPhone AppStore. Nearest Tube offers similar augmented reality (AR) “coolness” previously featured by Layar. While it doesn’t seek to address topics such as mobile recruiting or job-searching on the go, it does serve a simple (yet important) function by helping Londoners locate their nearest subway via their iPhone. Nearest Tube is only available to Apple iPhone 3GS users and will be made availble as soon as Apple approves the app.
Expect more AR apps for mobile devices in the future. For now, check out the video below…
